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Speciality additives for wood plastic composites
Step-up to Better WPC
Improved part quality
Reasons to buy
Reduced processing temperatureIncreased production output
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Innovation you can build onTM
Step-up to better WPCSpeciality additives for better wood plastic composites
Croda Polymer Additives is a world leader in the provision of speciality effects in a wide variety of polymers. Our speciality products play a vital role in modern plastics – from optimising polymer processing and handling during manufacture, to improving part performance and aesthetics for end consumer markets.
This brochure introduces our range of speciality additives to enhance wood plastic composites (WPC).
ProcessingToday’s ever demanding need to optimise production efficiencies and environmental profiles require WPC to be processed quickly and with minimal energy consumption. With this in mind, Croda has developed a range of lubricants to improve flow during extrusion and processing. The use of these metal stearate free products has been scientifically proven to improve output rates with minimal impact on the mechanical properties and interactions with the coupling agent.
Importance of lubricants
Figure 1: WPC without lubricant and with 2% IncroMax 100. Extruded ribbon with lubricant has visibly improved dispersion, surface and edge finish.
Croda Polymer Additives were approached by a WPC producer who had been experiencing difficulties during manufacture of extruded deck-boards. The deck-boards were made from 1/3 polypropylene (virgin and recycled) and 2/3 wood fibre. Due to the deck-boards comprising of such a high proportion of wood the manufacturers were experiencing problems with processing due to the dry nature of the wood. They were also suffering with high pressures on their equipment. A competitor’s product was currently being used to try and alleviate these problems but it was not performing very well.
Croda Polymer Additives supplied the manufacturer with Crodamide OR. The product was incorporated in the WPC at 3% with an immediate, positive effect observed. Pressure on the machinery dropped and excellent lubricating properties were experienced during processing. Crodamide OR significantly out-performed the competitor’s product without affecting friction in the finished product – the deck-boards remained non-slip!
udy St Ca se
Figure 2: Output rate improvement of 2% lubricant compared to un-lubricated 50% filled PP based WPC.
Natural FibreLubricants are also required to process other natural fibres such as hemp, miscanthus and bamboo, all of which are used in the growing automotive market. Our additives can be incorporated into natural fibre composite.
Lubricants / Process aidsOur range of lubricants can be incorporated directly into wood plastic composites during the extrusion process, allowing the following benefits to be seen:
l Increased throughputl Improved flowl Superior dispersionl Reduced processing temperatures & pressuresl Reduced wear on processing equipment, especially extruder screwsl Enhanced mold releasel Optimised mechanical performancel Superior surface finishl Reduced water absorption
Product SelectionOur product range has been developed to provide different combinations of increased output, reduced water absorption rates and optimised mechanical performance regardless of the WPC wood or plastic base.
* Key benefit may vary dependant on wood fibre or polymer combinations.
ApplicationsWood Plastics Composites are used in an increasing number of outdoor and indoor applications where strength and reduced water uptake are critical to the appearance of the finished part. Decking, wall cladding and fencing all require a long life span with minimal maintenance to give advantage over wood.
Product Physical form at 25°C Key performance benefits*
Crodamide EBS Microbead Optimised mechanical performance
Crodamide OR Pastille Increased output
IncroMax 100 Pastille Reduced water absorption
Figure 3: MOR EN 310 - 70% wood flour standard formulation in PP with 1% lubricant and 2% coupling agent
Figure 4: Water Absorption EN 1087-1 - 70% wood flour standard formulation in PP with 1% lubricant and 2% coupling agent
Anti-static agentsWood plastic composites are good insulators and as such can support the build-up of high static charges. The build-up of static charges can result in the following processing difficulties:
l Increased handling problems during transport and storagel Dust contamination, affecting both appearance and performance of end productsl Risk of electrical discharge causing fire or explosion
Croda produces a range of Atmer™ anti-static agents which can be incorporated into wood plastic composites during the extrusion process. They migrate to the surface where they interact with atmospheric moisture reducing surface resistivity and hence dissipating high electric charge densities, to give a long-lasting anti-static effect to the wood plastic composite.
UV absorbersJust as polymers are damaged due to excessive UV radiation, wood plastic composites are also damaged by exposure to UV light. Our range of Solasorb™ UV absorbers provide protection against the following:
l Colour fadel Surface crackingl Accelerated wear
Product Physical form at 25°C Key performance benefits
Atmer 7300 Pellet Fast acting, short term anti-stat
Atmer 7325 Pellet Fast acting, long term anti-stat
Product Physical form at 25°C Key performance benefits
Solasorb UV 200F White liquid Durable goods requiring wide ranging UV absorbance
Questions?To find out more about how Croda’s product can enhance your WPC process and part performance please contact your nearest regional office or visit www.crodapolymeradditives.com
Non-warranty:The information in this publication is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith, but no representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy is made. Suggestions for uses or applications are only opinions. Users are responsible for determining the suitability of these products for their own particular purpose. No representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made with respect to information or products including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of any third party patent or other intellectual property rights including, without limit, copyright, trademark and designs. Any trademarks identified herein are trademarks of the Croda group of companies. ©2017 Croda Europe Ltd 03/17 PAMB09v02
Further information
Croda sales and distribution are coordinated through an extensive worldwide network of associates and agents. For details of your local representative please contact your nearest Croda regional office.
Visit our global website at www.crodapolymeradditives.com
Europe, Africa, Middle EastCroda Europe LtdTel +44 (0)1405 [email protected]
Asia PacificCroda SingaporeTel +65 65519600 [email protected]
Latin AmericaCroda do Brasil LtdaTel +55 19 3765 3500 [email protected]
North AmericaCroda Inc, USATel +1 732 417 [email protected]
